As long as there have been nerds and a means of recording, people have been mass-consuming their favorite TV shows, whether on DVD or self-recorded VHS. But more recently, binge-watching has become not only something people do but a driving factor that shapes the way some entertainment is formed on a core level. Whether you've been binge-watching your whole life or recently slid into the habit, there are some shows that are just perfect to mainline as quickly as possible. If you're scrolling through streaming and wondering "What show should I watch?", the Collider staff has put together a handy list of our favorite shows to binge-watch below on Netflix, Hulu, Max, Disney+, and Prime Video.
Editor's note: This article was updated December 22nd to include Law and Order: SVU.
Law and Order: SVU
Rotten Tomatoes: 78% | IMDb: 8.1/10
Law and Order: Special Victims Unit
- Release Date
- September 20, 1999
- Cast
- Mariska Hargitay , Ice-T , Kelli Giddish , Peter Scanavino
- Genres
- Action , Crime , Drama
Premiering in 1999, Law & Order: SVU was the first spinoff to come from the original Law & Order. In 2019, it became the longest-running primetime live-action series on U.S. television. Created by Dick Wolf, who also created the original Law & Order, the show follows the Special Victims Unit, which is a squad of detectives in the NYPD who investigate sexually-related crimes. Lead actress Mariska Hargitay is the only cast member who has been around since the pilot episode of the series and stars alongside Kelli Giddish as Amanda Rollins, Ice-T as Odafin Tutuola, and Peter Scanavino as Dominick Carisi, just to name a few.
SVU can boast that it is number four in total episode count of a primetime scripted series, with The Simpsons at number one, Gunsmoke coming in second, and Lassie in third. Creator Wolf was inspired to create the show after the infamous trial of Robert Chambers, who claimed he accidentally strangled a woman during a consensual act; however, he was later convicted of murder. Wolf was intrigued by what would make a person behave this way, and thus, SVU was born. Now renewed for its 25th season, the show has no plans to slow down. - Emily Cappello
The Office
Rotten Tomatoes: 81% | IMDb: 9.0/10
The Office
- Release Date
- March 24, 2005
- Cast
- Steve Carell , Rainn Wilson , John Krasinski , Jenna Fischer , Mindy Kaling , Craig Robinson , B.J. Novak , Creed Bratton , Angela Kinsey , Oscar Nunez , Ellie Kemper , Ed Helms
- Genres
- Sitcom
The Office: Comfort food for the eyes, The Office is a show I may or may not have been watching before writing this. The mockumentary sitcom, which ran from 2005 to 2013, was not only a hit when it was airing regularly on NBC but showed the power that streaming can bring to an older show, giving it a renaissance in its own right. Based on the UK show of the same name, The Office was created for the American audience by original UK creators Steven Merchant and Ricky Gervais, as well as newcomer Greg Daniels, whose previous credits involve being Conan O’Brien’s writing partner on Saturday Night Live. If you like catchphrases like “well, well, well, how the turn tables;” “I’m not superstitious, but I am a little stitious;” and “the worst thing about prison was the dementors,” then The Office is for you.
Starring the incomparable Steve Carrell as Michael Scott, the show is packed with now household names, thanks to its success. This impressive list includes John Krasinski (writer of the hit horror film The Quiet Place), Mindy Kaling (showrunner to hits like The Mindy Project), Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey (hosts of The Office rewatch podcast "Office Ladies"), Ed Helms (The Hangover), Ellie Kemper (The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Bridesmaids), and Rashida Jones (Parks and Recreation), just to name a few. With a weekly estimate of 5.7 million viewers, the show then became Netflix’s most popular show, with 57 billion minutes streamed in 2020, according to Variety. Now streaming on Peacock, the show is a staple in American television history and culture, and you will definitely see at least one person this week walking around in some Dunder Mifflin or other Office-themed garb. - Emily Cappello
Friends
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 78% | IMDb: 8.9/10
Friends
- Release Date
- September 22, 1994
- Cast
- Jennifer Aniston , Courteney Cox , Lisa Kudrow , Matt LeBlanc , Matthew Perry , David Schwimmer
- Main Genre
- Sitcom
- Seasons
- 10
Friends, a 10-season sitcom, was brought to life by the creative minds of David Crane and Marta Kauffman. The show centers on a group of six friends in their 20s and early 30s, all residing in the vibrant heart of Manhattan, New York City. Viewers embark on a shared journey with the characters through a vast array of life experiences, including love, marriage, divorce, parenthood, heartbreaks, conflicts, career changes, and various dramatic events.
Friends has earned a reputation for being a timeless and heartwarming show that continues to resonate with multiple generations of viewers. This enduring appeal is not only because of its humor, which is marked by numerous iconic quotes as well as consistent relatability and the valuable life lessons it imparts through the characters’ impulsive decisions. Furthermore, the distinct personalities of the characters, like Chandler's (Matthew Perry) sarcasm, Phoebe's (Lisa Kudrow) eccentricity, and Monica's (Courteney Cox) perfectionism, are what make the show truly iconic. Also, Friends often evokes nostalgia and a journey back in time for people who came of age in the 1990s and early 2000s. Its iconic fashion choices and music continue to influence viewers even in the present day. - Jessie Nguyen
Succession
Rotten Tomatoes: 95% | IMDB: 8.9/10
Succession
- Release Date
- June 3, 2018
- Cast
- Brian Cox , Kieran Culkin , Nicholas Braun , Matthew Macfadyen , Alan Ruck , J. Smith-Cameron
- Genres
- Drama , Comedy
- Creator
- Jesse Armstrong
Spanning five years and four very successful seasons, Succession follows the now-famous Roy family, heads of the biggest media conglomerate in the world. Devoid of all redeeming qualities, the family will use anything within their reach to not just keep their names at the top but extend their lead. By fighting, cheating, and out-witting their opposition, can the Roy family ever be stopped in their malevolent pursuit to conquer?
Through tight scripts and superb ensemble acting, the heights of global business are scrutinized for all their worst values through a family thriving thanks to their lack of morals. With the likes of Brian Cox and Jeremy Strong excelling, the true charm of Succession arguably comes from just how morally bankrupt and unlikeable almost everyone is in the same sort of sadistic way horror movies keep you glued despite the terror. - Jake Hodges
Beckham
Rotten Tomatoes: 91% | IMDB: 8.2/10
Beckham
- Release Date
- October 4, 2023
- Cast
- Fisher Stevens , David Beckham , victoria beckham , Eric Cantona
- Genres
- Documentary , Biography , Sports
- Seasons
- 1
One of Netflix’s most successful sports documentaries to date, Beckham documents the titular global icon’s rise to fame, from his childhood in East End London poverty to his success as a footballer all the way through his turbulent but ultimately loving marriage to one member of, at one point in time, the world’s most talked-about girl group.
Using archive footage and straight-talking interviews with some of Beckham’s family, friends, and former teammates, Beckham leaves no stone unturned in the pursuit of both uncovering the secret to his success and revealing some of the sad truths behind his most infamous controversies. Despite being a household name, many will finish Beckham and suddenly feel like they had never really known of the man behind the fame until now. - Jake Hodges
The Fall of the House of Usher
Rotten Tomatoes: 90% | IMDB: 8.0/10
The Fall of the House of Usher
- Release Date
- October 12, 2023
- Cast
- Carla Gugino , Willa Fitzgerald , Mary McDonnell , Kate Siegel
- Genres
- Drama , Horror
- Seasons
- 1
Inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe and named after one of his famous short stories, The Fall of the House of Usher follows the uncovering of a dark secret as the CEO of a pharmaceutical company faces his deepest regrets head-on after the deaths of children are linked directly back to him. In typical gothic horror fashion, the children are dying mysteriously, with sinister discoveries revealed at every turn.
Aesthetically striking, which comes as no surprise to fans of creator Mike Flanagan, the show manages to balance genuine terror with stylish storytelling, successfully pulling off a constant unwavering sense of unease. A fresh spin on the gothic genre, The Fall of the House of Usher still has time to respect its roots and pay homage to one of horror's most influential writers. - Jake Hodges
Sex Education
Rotten Tomatoes: 94% | IMDB: 8.3/10
Sex Education
- Release Date
- January 11, 2019
- Cast
- Asa Butterfield , Gillian Anderson , Kedar Williams-Stirling , Alistair Petrie
- Genres
- Comedy , Drama
- Seasons
- 4
One of Netflix’s flagship shows, Sex Education follows teenager Otis (Asa Butterfield), who, following in the footsteps of his sex therapist mother (Gillian Anderson), sets up a sexual health help clinic at his school, putting him into first contact with the potential love of his life, the rebellious Maeve (Emma Mackey). Over four seasons, Otis and his friends navigate the trials and tribulations often associated with adolescent life as they go from anxious teens to full-fledged adults, culminating in their final year at school.
Over the course of four seasons, what was once a relatively unknown cast became household names thanks to incredible performances. Oozing with angst and bursting at the seams with comedy, Sex Education thrives by not just being a stand-out example of why teen dramas are so successful but also breaking boundaries in the discussion of sexuality, proving itself to be a trailblazer in modern media. - Jake Hodges
The Other Black Girl
Rotten Tomatoes: 85% | IMDB: 6.8/10
The Other Black Girl
- Release Date
- September 13, 2023
- Cast
- Sinclair Daniel , Ashleigh Murray , Kate Owens , Karina Willis
- Genres
- Drama , Comedy , Mystery
- Seasons
- 1
- Creator
- Zakiya Dalila Harris, Rashida Jones
The Other Black Girl is a Hulu original show that stars Sinclair Daniel as Nella Rogers, an ambitious editorial assistant at NYC publishing firm Wagner Books. After, as the title suggests, another black woman arrives at the company in the form of Ashleigh Murray’s Hazel-May McCall, Nella’s suspicion as to whether Hazel-May is a friend or enemy leads to the uncovering of a dark underbelly lurking beneath the business she works for.
Funny, twisted, and packed full of mystery, The Other Black Girl is one of Hulu’s freshest shows and is guaranteed to keep you hooked. From a great, relatively unknown cast to a superb script, the show has all the makings of top-tier television, which is why it has understandably drawn so much public and critical acclaim. With only one season currently available, the terrific cliffhanger ending is sure to bring more. - Jake Hodges
Suits
Rotten Tomatoes: 91% | IMDB: 8.4/10
Suits
- Release Date
- June 23, 2011
- Cast
- Gabriel Macht , Amanda Schull , Rick Hoffman , Dule Hill , Katherine Heigl
- Genres
- Drama , Comedy
- Seasons
- 9
- Creator
- Aaron Korsh
Widely regarded as some of the 21st century’s best television, Suits follows college dropout Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams), who, after a drug deal goes horribly wrong, ends up accidentally landing a job interview with one of New York City's best lawyers, Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht). Throughout the course of nine gripping seasons, Mike and Harvey’s unlikely winning formula shoots them to the very top of their game, with their newfound partnership not just bettering them professionally but as people. However, with success comes jealousy from other top-class businessmen intent on bringing them to the ground.
Oozing charm and wit, Suits made a name for itself as addictive at a time when binge-viewing wasn’t as mainstream as it is today. The chemistry between the main characters, particularly Mike and Harvey, is captivating, making every scene they’re in (which is a lot) absolute gold. Created by Aaron Korsh, Suits is quite simply must-watch television. - Jake Hodges
The Summer I Turned Pretty
Rotten Tomatoes: 74% | IMDB: 7.3/10
The Summer I Turned Pretty
- Release Date
- July 17, 2022
- Cast
- Lola Tung , Christopher Briney , Jackie Chung , Rachel Blanchard
- Genres
- Romance , Drama
- Seasons
- 2
- Creator
- Jenny Han
Told from teenager Belly's (Lola Tung) point of view, The Summer I Turned Pretty is initially a teen drama about two families who, over the course of a summer, experience a rollercoaster of drama that often centers on a love triangle at its core. As all good teen shows do, the highs and lows of adolescent firsts are presented in all their glory, as Belly has her first love, kiss, and, of course, heartbreak in one tumultuous season.
Based on the beloved books by Jenny Han, this series oozes the exact tone and style one would want from a teen drama. The ‘will they/won’t they’ triangle at the heart of the story is gripping enough on its own to keep you hooked, and that’s without mentioning the terrific and often heartbreaking family drama. Perfect for binging, the show is a great ode to coming-of-age stories that have come before it, with the young main cast growing in front of your very eyes. - Jake Hodges
Yellowstone
Rotten Tomatoes: 84% | IMDB: 8.7/10
Yellowstone
- Release Date
- June 20, 2018
- Cast
- Kevin Costner , Kelly Reilly , Luke Grimes , Wes Bentley , Kelsey Chow , Cole Hauser , Gil Birmingham , Danny Huston
- Genres
- Drama , Western
- Seasons
- 5
- Creator
- John Linson, Taylor Sheridan
Sparking somewhat of a renaissance in the Western genre, Yellowstone follows the now-famous Dutton family, who own the largest contiguous ranch in the US. Consequently, their land is always under threat from pillagers. With this society one that builds the foundation of its success on land ownership — whether it be politicians or oil corporations — everyone wants a slice of rich real estate. With murders and mysteries aplenty, almost nothing can surprise the Dutton family as they attempt to survive living on the new frontier.
Packed full of action and spectacle, Yellowstone excels thanks to its constant bombardment of drama, with a stellar leading cast working wonders with a jam-packed script. Led by Kevin Costner as a powerful patriarch paying homage to famous cowboys of a bygone era, Yellowstone has achieved so much success that it’s triggered one of the largest television franchises on air today, with its growth seemingly exponential. - Jake Hodges
Never Have I Ever
Rotten Tomatoes: 94% | IMDB: 7.9/10
Never Have I Ever
- Release Date
- April 27, 2020
- Cast
- Maitreyi Ramakrishnan , Darren Barnet , Poorna Jagannathan , Jaren Lewison
- Genres
- Comedy , Drama
- Seasons
- 4
- Creator
- Lang Fisher, Mindy Kaling
A story inspired by creator Mindy Kaling’s own childhood, Never Have I Ever follows the pivotal years of high school for first-generation Indian-American Devi Vishwakumar (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan), who, with four seasons depicting four years of her adolescence, tries to navigate the tricky teenage tasks of falling in love, falling out with friends, and dealing with the loss of her father.
A touching ode to life’s most confusing time, Never Have I Ever shines as a beacon of representation not just for young Indian-American girls but also for every teen. Despite dealing with some terribly sad topics, the show never fails to put a smile on your face and finds comedy in the face of tragedy. Always endearing, Never Have I Ever is both a sweet tale of love and friendship as well as an honest depiction of teenage life, choosing not to fear some of adolescence's most difficult challenges but instead face them head-on. - Jake Hodges
Silo
Rotten Tomatoes: 88% | IMDB: 8.1/10
Silo
- Release Date
- May 5, 2023
- Cast
- Rebecca Ferguson , Iain Glen , Tim Robbins , Shane McRae , Henry Garrett
- Genres
- Drama , Sci-Fi
- Seasons
- 1
- Creator
- Graham Yost
Based on Hugh Howey’s novel Wool, Silo follows a terrifying future in which humanity survives underground within the claustrophobic titular silo. Set through the perspective of protagonist Juliette Nichols (Rebecca Ferguson), her innocuous investigation into the death of a colleague uncovers the frightening truth about the world in which they live, with Juliette suddenly having to face the consequences of being privy to such world-altering information.
Dystopian sci-fi with all the trimmings, Silo is a rollercoaster ride that doesn’t bog itself down with fantasy lore, instead thriving thanks to its drive for drama. A fascinating analysis of humans' sometimes ignorant desperation to survive, Silo is impressive in its storytelling and its CGI, with the show a perfect feast for the suspicious mind. - Jake Hodges
Black Bird
Rotten Tomatoes: 98% | IMDB: 8.1/10
Black Bird
As Jimmy Keene begins a 10-year prison sentence, he gets an incredible offer: if he can elicit a confession from suspected killer Larry Hall, he will be freed; completing this mission becomes the challenge of a lifetime.
- Release Date
- July 8, 2022
- Cast
- Taron Egerton , Paul Walter Hauser , Greg Kinnear , Ray Liotta
- Genres
- Biography , Crime , Drama
- Seasons
- 1
This miniseries from creator Dennis Lehane follows Taron Egerton’s Jimmy Keene, a man who makes a bargain to exchange his 10-year minimum security prison sentence for one in maximum security, with the task of eliciting a confession from suspected murderer Larry Hall (Paul Walter Hauser). With the location of as many as 18 bodies on the line, Keene must work out whether Hall’s stories and the man himself can be trusted.
Moody and mysterious, throughout six gripping episodes, every grain of detail in the plot is meticulously designed, with the overarching narrative hugely impressive. Taron Egerton is at his very best in the lead role, with the weaving tale accompanied by an incredible score from composer Mogwai. Black Bird is, at its core, a shining example of the power of heightening tension in storytelling. - Jake Hodges
Barry
Rotten Tomatoes: 98% | IMDB: 8.4/10
Barry
- Release Date
- March 25, 2018
- Cast
- Bill Hader , Stephen Root , Henry Winkler
- Seasons
- 4
- Creator
- Alec Berg, Bill Hader
Bill Hader like you’ve never seen him before, Barry sees the talented comic take on the role of the titular Barry, a hitman who has lost the love of his criminal life. During one particular job, Barry is accidentally flung into the world of acting, where he falls in love with not just the art but a woman, too. Life and outlook changed, only Barry’s handler, Fuches (Stephen Root), remains as the last gripped claw pulling him into his previous life of hell.
With a brilliantly innovative premise, it can be easy to enter Barry expecting a gimmick, but alas, you would be wrong. Wonderfully toeing the line between desperately dramatic and hilariously funny, Barry is a masterpiece in storytelling that immediately gets you rooting for the murderer. With so much going for it, it is perhaps Bill Hader’s leading role that stands out as one of the most morally ambiguous and strangely relatable characters in modern television, making for gripping viewing. - Jake Hodges
The Great
Rotten Tomatoes: 96% | IMDB: 8.2/10
The Great
- Release Date
- May 15, 2020
- Cast
- Elle Fanning , Nicholas Hoult , Phoebe Fox , Sacha Dhawan
- Genres
- Biography , Comedy , Drama
- Seasons
- 3
- Creator
- Tony McNamara
Set in 18th-century Russia, The Great follows a satirized version of Catherine the Great’s (Elle Fanning) rise to power, from her childhood to her eventual triumph. As Catherine settles into her role after marrying Emperor Peter III (Nicholas Hoult), an evil plot arises to kill the sadistic man and claim his title.
A black comedy that oozes style, The Great excels by not taking itself too seriously, even going as far as to title itself ‘An Almost Entirely Untrue Story’. Backed by a stellar cast, Elle Fanning is incredible as Catherine, with her powerful performance leading to a nomination for Best Actress at the Primetime Emmys. Quirky and clever, The Great does well to avoid trying to be historically accurate in favor of delivering spade-loads of entertainment. - Jake Hodges
The Power
Rotten Tomatoes: 74% | IMDB: 6.6/10
The Power
- Release Date
- March 31, 2023
- Cast
- Toni Collette , Toheeb Jimoh , Halle Bush , Ria Zmitrowicz
- Genres
- Drama , Fantasy
- Seasons
- 1
- Creator
- Naomi Alderman, Sarah Quintrell, Raelle Tucker
Based on Naomi Alderman’s New York Times Bestseller of the same name, The Power sets itself in a world where all teenage girls suddenly and mysteriously gain the power of electrocution. After realizing they also have the power to unlock the skill inside older women, the potential their fingertips hold becomes all too real. With this newfound ability, the patriarchal shape of the modern world is suddenly flipped.
Unapologetically bringing a powerful message about modern-day gender roles, The Power thrives thanks to its strong female cast, including the likes of Toni Collette and Halle Bush. A forceful story of revolution drives the narrative forward with rarely a moment to breathe as this exhilarating story takes hold and never lets go. Certainly doing justice to its source material, The Power is both action-packed and tear-jerking. - Jake Hodges
Jury Duty
Rotten Tomatoes: 81% | IMDB: 8.3/10
Jury Duty
- Release Date
- April 7, 2023
- Cast
- James Marsden , David Brown , Kirk Fox , Mekki Leeper
- Genres
- Comedy
- Seasons
- 1
- Creator
- Lee Eisenberg, Gene Stupnitsky
In a story similar to The Truman Show, Jury Duty follows the genuinely unsuspecting Ronald Gladden, who, after being called up for jury duty on a civil trial in Los Angeles, finds himself working through the mundane routine he had anticipated. However, in a wonderful twist, everything around him is a lie. The foundations on which this jury duty is built are falsehoods, with everyone from fellow jury members to the plaintiff and defendant being actors.
A stellar cast led by James Marsden as himself, Jury Duty breathes fresh air into a packed media landscape. Co-created by The Office producers Gene Stupnitsky and Lee Eisenberg, the show thrives thanks to the audience being privy to the knowledge that it is all an act, allowing for the crescendoing drama on-screen to have a sense of playfulness. Laugh-out-loud fun, Jury Duty is one of the most unique series available to watch right now. - Jake Hodges
Tiny Beautiful Things
Rotten Tomatoes: 85% | IMDB: 7.2/10
Tiny Beautiful Things
- Release Date
- April 7, 2023
- Cast
- Kathryn Hahn , Sarah Pidgeon , Merritt Wever , Tanzyn Crawford , Quentin Plair , Aneasa Yacoub
- Genres
- Drama , Comedy
- Seasons
- 1
- Creator
- Liz Tigelaar
Tiny Beautiful Things, told through the eyes of Clare (Kathryn Hahn), begins as her life crumbles before her very eyes. A marriage at breaking point, a failing relationship with her daughter, and low self-esteem make her laugh in the face of the opportunity to lead the vacant position of advice columnist Dear Sugar. However, in the face of her troubles, it turns out her hurt provides the gateway for successful advice. A hit, Clare finally finds her passion for writing again as the revisiting of her trauma doesn’t just help her readers but also herself.
A poignant story that finds hope out of despair, Tiny Beautiful Things doesn’t shy away from the cruder points of life, knowing full well that their relatability is what makes this tale tick. At its core, Tiny Beautiful Things is meant to be a surrogate for the audience’s inner fears, much like an advice column, but that still doesn’t stop the writers from playing with narrative conventions, finding interesting and compelling ways to tell the sort of story everyone should listen to. - Jake Hodges
You
Rotten Tomatoes: 91% | IMDB: 7.7/10
You
- Release Date
- September 9, 2018
- Cast
- Penn Badgley , Victoria Pedretti , James Scully , Ambyr Childers , Carmela Zumbado
- Genres
- Drama
- Seasons
- 5
- Creator
- Greg Berlanti, Sera Gamble
One of Netflix’s most-watched shows, You details the journey of Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley) as his fixations with specific people take him across the world in both the search for and escape from his obsessions. His pursuit of love becomes entangled with that of a stalker, with his extreme sideways look on life’s most intimate feelings exposed thanks to a chance encounter with an aspiring writer. Cunning and charming, Joe becomes a murderer because of the aforementioned obsessions but manages to convince both the audience and himself of his fair reasoning.
A triumph in storytelling, You masks itself as a cold-hearted tale but finds a balance thanks to warm moments of sometimes twisted humor. Successful in many ways, You is one of those rare stories that manages to convince the audience to find sympathy for even the most cruel of people. A terrific story told with wit and violent drama, You has become a cult phenomenon thanks to Penn Badgley’s lead performance, with his iconic voiceover now the stuff of legend. - Jake Hodges